kind of tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that is somewhat difficult or complicated. Example: "The math problem was kind of tricky, but I eventually figured it out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

It's kind of tricky".

The Guardian

But raising queens is kind of tricky".

The New York Times

"The kitchen is kind of tricky," he said.

The New York Times

Operating the shower curtain is kind of tricky.

The New Yorker

I mean, it's a kind of tricky negotiation.

The New York Times

It turns out that proving you are not with the F.B.I. is kind of tricky.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Of course, it has helped that since the short-game clinic, you love practicing bunker shots and all kinds of tricky shots around the greens.

The New York Times - Sports

I've had lots of those kinds of tricky intense situations in matches where I have to come back from match points down".

The New York Times - Sports

You're likely to encounter two kinds of tricky bugs: Whenever you say the phrase "I don't understand why x," stop yourself and try to remember that if x is doing something, it is because that thing makes absolute sense to x. X's behavior just seems puzzling to you.

The New York Times

A number of cotton swabs can be helpful, as can a toothbrush (kept only for cleaning, of course!) for getting into all kinds of tricky corners and between tiles.

WikiHow

Bill: It's kind of a tricky time of year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "kind of tricky", be specific about why it's tricky. Providing context helps the reader understand the nature of the challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of tricky" as a vague placeholder for actual difficulties. Replace it with a more descriptive phrase that highlights the precise challenges involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of tricky" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that something possesses a quality of moderate difficulty or complexity. Ludwig provides various examples where this phrase effectively communicates the degree of challenge involved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of tricky" is a common and acceptable way to describe something that is moderately difficult or complex. As noted by Ludwig, it softens the assessment of difficulty, suggesting a challenge that isn't overwhelming but requires careful consideration. While its usage is widespread across various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in news and media. For formal writing, alternatives like "somewhat challenging" or "moderately difficult" may be more appropriate. When using "kind of tricky", ensure to provide specific details about the difficulty involved for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately difficult

Directly conveys a level of difficulty that is neither easy nor extremely hard.

somewhat challenging

Suggests a task requires effort but is not overly difficult; focuses on the positive aspect of testing one's abilities.

reasonably intricate

Similar to "a bit complicated" but with a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing detail.

a bit complicated

Highlights the intricate nature of something, implying it involves multiple steps or elements.

rather complex

Emphasizes the intricacy and layered nature of a situation or task.

slightly problematic

Indicates a potential issue or difficulty that may arise, framing it as a minor concern.

a little delicate

Implies a need for careful handling due to potential sensitivity or fragility.

slightly thorny

Implies that dealing with something could be troublesome or cause minor problems.

somewhat demanding

Suggests that something requires considerable effort and attention.

fairly convoluted

Highlights the twisted and complex nature of something, potentially causing confusion.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of tricky" to describe tasks, situations, or concepts that are moderately difficult or complex. For example: "Operating the shower curtain is "kind of tricky"."

What can I say instead of "kind of tricky"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat challenging", "a bit complicated", or "moderately difficult" depending on the context.

Is "kind of tricky" formal or informal?

"Kind of tricky" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, you might opt for phrases like "somewhat challenging" or "moderately difficult".

What's the difference between "kind of tricky" and "very tricky"?

"Kind of tricky" suggests a moderate level of difficulty, while "very tricky" implies a much greater challenge or complexity. The choice depends on the specific degree of difficulty you want to convey.